Connect & Caffeinate - Join us in Guelph on April 22, 2026

Great community initiatives rarely come from one organization alone — real impact happens when partners bring their strengths together.
In this session, Lisa Hood, Vice President, Philanthropy & Marketing at YMCA of the Three Rivers, and Jeff Hoffman, Executive Director of Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, will share the story behind the Guelph Y Youth Wellness Hub — a unique collaboration between YMCA of Three Rivers, CMHA Waterloo Wellington, and the Rotary Clubs of Guelph.

Together, they’ll explore how three organizations came together to co-create a space that supports youth well-being, belonging, and opportunity — and what it took to align cultures, priorities, and resources along the way.

They will share insights on:

• What makes cross-agency partnerships successful
• How to navigate competing priorities and challenges
• Practical lessons for fundraisers working across multiple organizations or systems

You’ll leave with:

• A clearer understanding of what effective collaboration looks like behind the scenes
• Ideas for building trust and shared purpose across agencies
• Strategies for fundraising within multi-partner initiatives
• Inspiration from a local success story demonstrating what’s possible when organizations unite around community needs

Space is limited, so grab your spot and bring a colleague along.

After the presentation, dig deeper through peer discussion. Learn from colleagues, share what’s working (and what isn’t), and expand your local fundraising network.

• Free parking is available in front of the YMCA building
• Visitors will be welcomed at the membership desk and directed to the second-floor meeting space (stairs and elevator available)
• The YMCA café, located near the entrance, offers coffee, tea, smoothies, and pastries for purchase

This event is open to current and future AFP Golden Horseshoe members — please share with your network.

With sincere thanks to our series supporter, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, for making these gatherings possible across Waterloo Region.

And thank you to the Guelph YMCA for generously hosting this month’s session.

P.S. Interested in hosting a future Connect & Caffeinate in Waterloo Region, Cambridge, or Guelph? Let us know — we’re always excited to partner with new spaces!

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Host or Publisher AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter